Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

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Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 20 min Servings: 4 Easy

Ingredients

Main

  • 12 oz pappardelle or fettuccine
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 16 oz cremini mushrooms
  • sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • minced

Sauce

  • ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley
  • chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until 1 minute before al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining — the starchy water is crucial for a silky sauce. According to the USDA, cooked pasta should be stored within 2 hours at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

Cooking pappardelle pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water
2

While the pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer and cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.

Sautéing sliced cremini mushrooms in butter and olive oil in a large skillet until golden
3

Flip the mushrooms and cook another 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Golden brown mushrooms with minced garlic being stirred in the skillet
4

Pour in the white wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half, about 2 minutes.

Deglazing the skillet with white wine and scraping up browned bits
5

Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.

Heavy cream simmering with mushrooms and Parmesan cheese being stirred into a silky sauce
6

Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce coats every strand. Stir in parsley and serve immediately with extra Parmesan.

Finished creamy mushroom pasta in a skillet with silky sauce coating every strand of pasta

Personal Tips

  • t stir the mushrooms right away.** I used to toss them constantly and they

Nutrition (per serving)

480 kcal
Calories
16g
Protein
48g
Carbs
24g
Fat
3g
Fiber

Nutrition (per serving): 1/4 of recipe | USDA FoodData Central, calculated estimates

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make creamy mushroom pasta from scratch?
Sauté mushrooms in butter and olive oil until golden brown. Add garlic, deglaze with white wine, pour in heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan until melted, then toss with cooked pasta and reserved pasta water for a silky sauce. Total time: about 30 minutes.
What are the best mushrooms for creamy pasta?
Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms are the best everyday choice — deep flavor and widely available. For an elevated version, use a mix of cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms. Avoid white button mushrooms for cream sauces — they release too much water and have milder flavor.
Can I make creamy mushroom pasta without heavy cream?
Yes. Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version (simmer longer to thicken). For a no-cream version, use 2 oz cream cheese and pasta water — the starch emulsifies for a silky sauce. Full-fat coconut milk works for dairy-free, though it adds a subtle coconut flavor.
Is creamy mushroom pasta vegetarian?
Yes, as written it contains no meat. For strict vegetarians, look for Parmigiano-Reggiano made with microbial rennet or use a vegetarian hard cheese. For a vegan version, substitute olive oil for butter, coconut cream for heavy cream, and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
What pasta shapes work best with mushroom sauce?
Long flat noodles are ideal — pappardelle, fettuccine, or linguine. The wide surface carries the creamy sauce. For short pasta, rigatoni or penne rigate work because the ridges hold the sauce. Avoid angel hair (too thin) and very small shapes like orzo.

Dietary Restrictions

Allergens

Dairy (butterheavy creamParmesan)Wheat (pasta)Eggs (some pasta brands)

Not Suitable For

  • Vegans (unless modified)
  • Lactose-intolerant (unless modified)
  • Gluten-intolerant (unless modified)

Modifications

  • Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. Substitute olive oil for butter
  • coconut cream for heavy cream
  • and nutritional yeast for Parmesan for a vegan/dairy-free version. The mushroom and garlic base is naturally flavorful and adaptable.

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